It is the latest controversy in a turbulent nine months for Ukip since the EU referendum, which has also seen the defections of its only MP, Douglas Carswell, and former Rochester schoolgirl Diane James, who led the party for a total of 18 days.

On the impact of Mr Reckless’ reported departure on voters in Kent, Cllr Wells said: “On behalf of all the Ukippers who work hard every day to deliver the services that our residents want, I would simply say the quicker our central party sorts itself out and works out who is doing what, the easier life will be.

“You would not find candidates who are harder-working or more in-tune to residents’ wishes than those in Thanet.”